No. 13 Central Arkansas at MSU

Phoenix Johnson hardly acts like a typical college freshman, with his willingness to mix it up on the football field against bigger and stronger defenders hoping to disrupt Missouri State’s offense.

“He’s not afraid to stick his nose in there and block somebody,” Bears coach Terry Allen said.

The running back also doesn’t sound like the normal rookie, as he speaks confidently and assuredly about himself and the team. The term “little brother” just doesn’t seem to fit, even when he’s around receiver Maddy Johnson, his two-years-older brother and teammate.

“They’re like night and day,” Bears quarterback Kierra Harris said of the brothers from Webb City. “Maddy’s not one to get up and scream and shout. He’s the quick and fast — and quiet — one. I call him the ‘little’ big brother.

The Johnson brothers are going about contributing to MSU’s offense in their own ways as the Bears play host to Central Arkansas on Saturday.

Phoenix Johnson is doing something few freshmen running backs do, and that’s play right away. He has 60 rushing yards on 16 attempts, one of five Bears with at least 13 rushing attempts.

Maddy Johnson, a third-year sophomore, has made the transition to receiver after spending his first two college seasons at running back. He has 8 catches for 83 yards and seems to get better and more confident by the week.

“I couldn’t be any more pleased with both of them,” Allen said. “Even though they’re about as different as can be personality wise.”

It’s not any surprise to Webb City coach John Roderique, who’s known the Johnson family since the brothers were grade schoolers. Roderique said Phoenix takes after his dad, Gary “Cat” Johnson who was a high school basketball legend in the late 1970s for Joplin Memorial High before playing at Oral Roberts University.

“I think Maddy has his mom’s personality more,” Roderique said. “I’m proud of both of them. Good kids from a great family.”

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Maddy Johnson laughs about the way he and his brother are viewed by others, but doesn’t dispute it. He said it’s probably only natural that playing style closely resembles personality.

“Playing-wise, he’s a lot more physical and I’m more elusive and faster,” Maddy Johnson said. “So if you look at that, we’re completely different in that way, too.”

Phoenix Johnson’s naturally aggressive personality has helped him find immediate playing time. Adapting to the physical elements of college football, especially blocking, is the biggest challenge freshmen have to make.

“I like to hit and I like contact,” said the 5-9, 180-pound Phoenix Johnson. “Maddy would rather run away from contact because he’s faster.

“I think he’s found his spot at receiver,” Phoenix added of his brother. “He does really good catching and running. I like blocking and running through people. I think it’s a good fit for both of us.”

Maddy Johnson, 5-8 and 170, said playing receiver finally feels natural after making the move there last spring.

No matter what position they play, both said their father has been a major athletic influence. While both played point guard in high school, football clearly was their best sport.

“We heard some good stories about our dad,” Maddy Johnson said, including one about the night he scored 50 points in a state playoff game against Marshfield at MSU’s McDonald Arena.

“I wish we could have been around to see what everybody talks about. It seemed like they were very good and he led well on the basketball court.”